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What is the difference between IVA and ITP in Spain?

The fundamental difference between IVA and ITP lies in their jurisdiction and calculation. IVA is a national, flat-rate tax applied to new properties and paid directly to the seller. ITP is a regional, progressive tax applied to resale properties and paid directly to the local tax authority after the purchase. Two Taxes, One Purpose For a United States citizen purchasing a home in Mallorca, the alphabet...

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Do I need to pay IVA (VAT) or ITP on a property?

Whether you pay IVA (Value Added Tax) or ITP (Property Transfer Tax) depends entirely on the status of the property you are purchasing. As a strict rule, you pay IVA if you are buying a brand-new property directly from a developer, and you pay ITP if you are buying a resale property from a previous owner. The First Question Every Buyer Must Ask When American buyers calculate their budget for a luxury...

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Can I pay for a house in Spain with crypto?

You cannot pay for a Spanish property by transferring cryptocurrency directly to a seller's digital wallet, as the Spanish Notary system requires all real estate transactions to be executed in Euros. However, US citizens can legally buy property in Mallorca by converting their crypto wealth into fiat currency through regulated European exchanges, provided they pass extremely rigorous Anti-Money Laundering...

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How to avoid inheritance tax in Spain as an expat.

While you cannot illegally evade taxes, United States expats can legally minimize or completely eliminate their Spanish inheritance tax exposure through proactive estate planning. The most effective strategies involve leveraging the Balearic regional tax exemptions, utilizing bare ownership structures, and drafting a dedicated Spanish Will. The Difference Between Evasion and Planning When American buyers...

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Are there inheritance taxes in Mallorca for foreigners?

Yes, there are inheritance taxes in Spain, but thanks to sweeping legislative changes in the Balearic Islands, the inheritance tax has been practically abolished for direct family members. Furthermore, under current legal frameworks, United States citizens who are non-residents enjoy the exact same massive tax deductions as local Spanish residents. The Golden Era of Estate Planning in Mallorca For...

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Do I have to declare my US bank accounts to Spain (Modelo 720)?

Yes, if you become a tax resident of Spain, you are legally required to declare your US bank accounts, investment portfolios, and American real estate to the Spanish government using the Modelo 720 form, provided the total value in any of these specific categories exceeds 50,000 euros. What is the Modelo 720? The Modelo 720 is an annual informative declaration designed by the Spanish Tax Agency (Hacienda)...

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What is the FATCA law and how does it affect me in Spain?

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is a powerful United States federal law that obligates all foreign financial institutions, including Spanish banks, to report the assets and identities of their American clients directly to the IRS. For US citizens in Spain, this translates into rigorous banking compliance, mandatory W-9 forms, and the necessity to provide US tax returns to open a local...

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Why do Spanish banks ask for my US tax returns?

Spanish banks ask for your US tax returns to strictly comply with two major legal frameworks: the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and the European Union's aggressive Anti-Money Laundering (AML) directives. These laws legally obligate the bank to verify your tax residency and trace the legitimate origin of your wealth. The Initial Culture Shock for US Buyers When an American buyer...

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What is the VAT (IVA) on new construction properties in Mallorca?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: When purchasing a brand new construction property or an off-plan villa directly from a developer in Mallorca, you do not pay the progressive Property Transfer Tax. Instead, you pay a flat 10 percent Value Added Tax (IVA) on the purchase price. Additionally, you must budget for a regional Stamp Duty (AJD) of 1.2 percent to 1.5 percent. Our VIP service rigorously vets developers...

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Are real estate commissions tax-deductible in Spain?

Key Takeaway for US Buyers: Yes, real estate commissions paid to a legally registered agency are highly tax-deductible in Spain, but specifically against Capital Gains Tax. When you hire our VIP Dedicated Buyer's Agent Service, the fee you pay us is legally added to your property's acquisition cost. When you eventually sell the villa, this higher acquisition base drastically reduces your taxable profit,...